Mattie pointed her finger straight at Sharon. “You singled out the wrong person this time. Now look at you — floating around like a lost puppy. And for what? You can’t miss what you never had, remember that. What’s for you will be for you, and if it’s not, let it go. Sometimes you make your move too soon.”

Sharon folded her arms and stared back. “What were you trying to prove anyway? Putting the horse before the cart never works — not for you, not for anybody. You keep chasing things the wrong way, then wonder why nothing turns out right.”

Mattie’s face tightened. “You act like the world owes you something,” Sharon continued. “It doesn’t. And it never will. Especially when you owe people things you can’t repay in any shape, form, or fashion.”

That’s when Mattie stomped out of the room, only to whirl back around. “See? This is what I’m talking about — your way or the highway! Sit your frail behind down for a minute and listen. I’ve been through storms you couldn’t handle on your best day. You’re weak, selfish, and you want your cake and to eat it too — unless you already own it. Do you? Have you even tried to grow up a little?”

Sharon didn’t flinch. “Look at yourself,” she said softly. “Your face barely looks human anymore. We’re best friends, but somewhere along the way you lost your soul. Where are you going? What do you want? You’re too old to still be this lost.”

Mattie opened her mouth, but Sharon kept going. “You’re worse than Simple Simon. You’re riding with the devil, and he’s got you all the way. You better let God take over before it’s too late. Pretty soon you’ll be putting your shoes on the wrong feet and cussing out anybody who tells you.”

She leaned forward. “When my heart got broken, what did I do? I kept it moving. I didn’t look back. And that’s exactly what you need to do. All this over money — shame on you. When did they stop making money? Things don’t always go the way we plan. So get it together, sister.”

Mattie blinked, finally quiet.

“And let’s be real,” Sharon added. “Your boyfriend didn’t give you two hundred dollars for that dress because he doesn’t have it. He doesn’t have a high-paying job, and he’s not obligated to buy you anything. You don’t have a ring on your finger. So save your money. Skip the club for two weeks and buy the dress yourself. See my point?”

She stood up, brushing off her hands as if she were dusting off the whole situation. “Now come on. Let’s get back on the right track. Let’s keep it moving.”